[AI Revolution] GPT Handles Sales, AI Runs Hotels... Travel Platform 'Tripbitoz'

Next-Generation Video-Centric OTA
Targeting the Millennial, Gen Z, and Influencer Ecosystem
AI Handles Hotel Partnerships, Operations, and Management

On the 24th of last month, Jiha Jung, CEO of Tripvitos, was interviewed by The Asia Business Daily. Photo by Yujin Park

"At first glance, online travel agencies (OTAs) may appear to be in the travel business, but in reality, they are closer to massive financial companies. The essence of competitiveness lies in how efficiently you manage the cash flow that exists between booking and settlement. We are redesigning this structure using artificial intelligence (AI)."

Jiha Jung, who founded Tripbitoz ten years ago, summarized the company's core strategy in this way. Having previously worked at Expedia, he navigated the industry through turbulent times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Tmon-Wemakeprice crisis, holding on to the two words "survival and efficiency." In the process, he introduced large language models (LLMs) like GPT and Gemini throughout the organization. Jung stated, "AI is not a tool for workforce reduction; rather, it is a productivity lever that enables even small teams to play on a global stage."

Tripbitoz’s "AI transformation" goes far beyond simple automation. By integrating LLMs into most back-office processes-including email, reporting, data analysis, and decision support-the company has drastically reduced work hours. Despite a reduction in headcount, total transaction volume grew from 125 billion won to 180 billion won. He emphasized, "With AI taking over tasks previously done by hand, the speed, accuracy, and cost structure have completely changed. There is likely no OTA in Korea that operates at this pace."

According to Tripbitoz, video-based booking conversion rates are 120% higher compared to photos, indicating that AI and content-based models are reshaping travel consumption led by Millennials & Gen Z and influencers. Photo shows the Tripbitoz application feed. Image courtesy of Tripbitoz

He also stressed that Tripbitoz’s content strategy is fundamentally different from that of traditional OTAs. Unlike existing platforms that rely mainly on search and photos, Tripbitoz positioned itself as a "video-based OTA" from the very beginning. According to the company’s accumulated data, video-based booking conversion rates are 120% higher compared to photos. He explained, "Travel content is ultimately experience-based, but photos have limitations in terms of information. Millennials & Gen Z are inspired by influencer videos and make their travel choices accordingly. We designed our platform with this trend at its core from the start."

'AI Smart Report' that calculates hotel prices and room occupancy rates in real time. Image courtesy of Tripvitoz

The area Tripbitoz is currently focusing on the most is AI for hotel partners. The "AI Smart Report" analyzes hotel room occupancy rates, competitor pricing, seasonality, and event data in real time to suggest optimal rates. It does more than just recommend prices; it also automatically generates alerts for key performance indicator (KPI) anomalies and proposes strategic cards to support hotel managers’ decision-making. The company has a roadmap to automate the entire partner process-from hotel partnership and operations to performance management and growth-using AI.

Jung described this AI system as "an engine that enables independent hotel operations." Small and mid-sized hotels face severe staffing shortages, and developing pricing strategies or forecasting demand is not easy. If AI can handle these tasks, operating costs decrease and profits increase. The company is also expanding AI-based automation to internal hotel operations such as front desk, housekeeping, and concierge, through projects like digital concierge and automated customer service. This AI transformation model is designed to achieve unmanned operations, cost reduction, and advertising revenue generation simultaneously.

The company’s global expansion strategy is also centered on AI. Tripbitoz analyzes sales data from emerging markets such as Indonesia and Africa using AI to identify optimal market timing, and its Sales GPT automates much of the partner discovery and communication process. The company is also expanding its hotel API (B2B) business, aiming to become the largest accommodation B2B provider in East Asia.

Jung noted, "Most OTAs have become trapped in commission and advertising cost competition, but we are fundamentally restructuring our business with AI." He concluded the interview by saying, "Travel is ultimately about human emotions and experiences, but the mechanical aspects of delivering and connecting those experiences faster and more accurately are better handled by AI. A new OTA era is coming, where content moves, data responds, and prices are automatically adjusted."